​Public gets chance to grill politicians

Oxfam Scotland is hosting a series of “Candidate Cafés” ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections on 5 May.

The events, which start in Inverness on 27 February, will allow people to talk face-to-face with local candidates from the five parties currently represented in the Scottish Parliament.

In October, Oxfam Scotland released the report, Even It Up: Scotland's Role in Tackling Poverty by Reducing Inequality at Home and Abroad, outlining a series of policy measures the Scottish Parliament can take to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland, while also supporting sustainable development around the world.

Now it wants to give people across Scotland the chance to speak directly to a selection of candidates from their region to influence the parties’ pre-election promises.

Right now, the political parties are listening - Jamie Livingstone

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “At a time when nearly one in five Scots live in poverty, and global inequality is on the rise, we want to make sure everyone in Scotland has the chance make their voice heard.

“Right now, the political parties are listening. This event will give people the chance to tell candidates what they think is important and to hear how the different parties think the Scottish parliament can contribute to reducing poverty at home and abroad.”

David Smith, an Oxfam volunteer from Inverness, added: “The Scottish election in May 2016 is an opportunity for every political party to commit themselves to creating a more equal Scotland within a more equal world.

"Everyone in Scotland can and must make their voice heard, and the Oxfam Candidate Cafe is a space where everyone can do exactly that.”

The Candidate Cafes will take place in each of Scotland’s eight electoral regions. For more information, click here.